Continue broadcasting the truth, APM tells MBC

President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika says he is impressed with the way the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) is carrying out its duties.

12February

President Mutharika said this on Monday when he paid a surprise visit to the broadcaster at both the Chichiri Broadcasting House and Television station at Kwacha in Blantyre.

The Malawi leader challenged MBC that it was operating in a highly competitive atmosphere which demanded the public broadcaster to continue airing the truth in order to survive on the market.

He said media was a very important component as it links Government and the people.

“As for MBC; you are operating in a very competitive environment, therefore you must continue inspiring the nation if you are to remain relevant on the market,” said the President.

To the MBC members of staff, Mutharika said: “Be patriotic. Have integrity and continue to work hard. Work in harmony and avoid backbiting. Whatever you broadcast, always remember- the Genocide in Rwanda was started by a radio station.”

In their remarks, both Board Chairperson and MBC Director General Reverend Billy Gama and Aubrey Sumbuleta respectively, thanked President Mutharika for his continued support to MBC.

The two MBC leaders singled out the President and First Lady Gertrude Mutharika’s support for MBC initiatives such as Innovations Awards and Zokonda Amai Macheza.

“Both these programs are held at the State Houses, which in itself speaks volumes of the commitment Your Excellencies attach to them,” said Sumbuleta.

On the closed door meeting the President held with MBC management, Reverend Gama disclosed that among others, MBC presented a list of challenges it continues to face as it tries to absorb the financial shock created by Malawi Parliament when it decided to give the broadcaster K1 in two consecutive years some years back.

“The President has advised us to put the challenges in writing and present them to him through the Ministry of Information,” said Reverend Gama.

Seizing the moment, one of MBC presenters Ian Simbota hailed Mutharika for his open-opportunity-policy, which he said has even seen people born with albinism like himself securing employment with MBC.

“The policy has not only opened employment opportunity for us, but also has enabled MBC to even continue sharing all the privileges without discrimination. Last year, I had opportunity to receive training in Egypt. This is how MBC, through your leadership has shown me great support without looking at my status as someone with albinism,” said Simbota.

MBC houses Radio 1, 2, www.mbc.mw at Chichiri Broadcasting House and Television Station at Kwacha in Blantyre.